Monday

• St. Arnold’s Brewing Co. Dinner at Union Bear. The brewery’s founder, Brock Wagner, is your drinking companion for the evening. Michael says he’s neutral on St. Arnold beers in general, but there’s no way this won’t be fun. One word caught my attention: sherbet. Easy math: sherbet + beer = disaster or delicious. Time will tell. Tickets are $55, seating is limited to 50.

Course 1: Oysters on the Half Shell served with a Farmer Brown Mignonette Sauce Paired w/ Chardonnay Barrel-Aged Farmer Brown Cask

Course 2: Seared Scallops with Melon Consomme and Creminelli Coppa Paired w/ Fancy Lawnmower and Weedwacker

Course 3: Union Bear’s Barolo Pizza- Drunken Salami, Toasted Onions & Peppers, Black Olives, Rosemary Paired w/ Spring Bock Course

Course 4: Steak and Frites Paired w/ Amber Ale Course

Course 5: Lemon Raspberry Thyme Sherbet Paired w/ Elissa IPA

• Pyramid Night at Flying Saucer on the Lake. Show up around 5 pm for a tapping of Pyramid Curveball Kolsch. Later, a rep from the brewing company will lead tastings of various Pyramid brews and food pairings. Raise your hand if you’ve drank your weight in Pyramid Apricot Ale. Unadvised.
• Shmaltz Brewing Company Vertical Jewbelation at Meddlesome Moth. 5 PM tapping, as usual.
• Franconia Oak Aged Mai Bock at the Holy Grail Pub.
• Franconia Mai Bock at Nana’s Media Bar + Grill. $4 beer special, an appearance by Franconia brewmaster Dennis Wehrmann, and a small plates menu created by chef Anthony Bombaci. 5 pm-7:30 pm.
• Oskar Blues Brewery Beer Dinner at The Common Table. Five beers, five courses, $55. Starts at 7 pm. Beers: Mama’s Lil Yella Pils, Double Dry Hopped Deviant Dale’s Cask, Oaked Old Chub, Gubna, and 2011 Ten Fidy
• Clown Shoes Vampire Slayer tapping at Strangeways.

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Tuesday

• Alaskan Brewing Co. Tapping and Dinner at Flying Saucer on the Lake. It’s $35 for dinner with the brewery’s head brewer, Curtis Holmes—four courses with beer pairings, prepared by guest chefs Chad Bowden from Culpeppers Steakhouse, Greg Bussey from Victor Tango’s, Nathan Tate from Ava’s and Keith Grober from Meddlesome Moth.
• North Coast Grand Cru at Meddlesome Moth. Belgian beer out of Fort Bragg has to be good, right?
• (512) Whiskey Aged Double Pecan Porter at Holy Grail Pub. Michael drove to Lone Star Beverages in Carollton the day this Austin brewery’s pecan porter went on sale.  I’m pretty sure this stuff went fast, and that he’s now hoarding the bottles in his closet. But Holy Grail has a keg. Recommended.
• Real Ale Mysterium Verum at Nana’s Media Bar + Grill. $4 beer, appearance by brew master Erik Ogershok, small plate menu. 5 pm-7:30 pm.
• Clown Shoes Muffintop tapping at Strangeways.

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Wednesday

• North Coast Night at Flying Saucer on the Lake. If you didn’t get enough North Coast Tuesday at the Moth, head here for the brewery’s Scrimshaw Pilsner and ACME IPA. Fort Worth’s Rahr and Sons will also be featured.
• Sierra Nevada and Dogfish Head Collaboration at Meddlesome Moth. It’s called Life & Limb. I’ll be hanging on to both of those, hopefully. The 10% ABV dark beer is brewed with maple syrup.
• Sam Adams Homebrew Competition Winners at Holy Grail Pub. I am generally mistrustful of strangers, so I don’t know how I feel about drinking stuff that has been stirred up in a stranger’s house. That said…adventure!
• Boulevard Brewing Co.’s Boss Tom’s Golden Bock at Nana’s Media Bar + Grill. $4 beer, appearance by Boulevard cicerone Jeremiah Wallis, small plate menu. 5 pm-7:30 pm.
• Left Coast Brewing tasting at Strangeways. Reps from the brewery will stake out the bar area and trot out their offerings (four year-round beers—Hop Juice Double IPA, Asylum Belgian Style Tripel Ale, Trestles IPA and Voo Doo American Stout.)

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Thursday

• Avery Brewing The Beast Grand Cru at Meddlesome Moth.
• Dogfish Head Brewery Night and Dinner at Flying Saucer on the Lake. Seven courses, plus pairings. Featured beers are: Dogfish Head’s 60 Minute IPA, Midas Touch, Red & White, Indian Brown, Immort Ale, and Palo Santo.
• Unibroue Glass Night at Holy Grail Pub.
• Boulevard Brewing Co.’s Single Wide IPA at Nana’s Media Bar + Grill. Craft beer happy hour (complimentary small bites paired with featured craft beers. Menu: Grilled Sweetbreads with Pico de Gallo, Slider with Cheese, Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Manchego, Chorizo & Pepperoncini). 5 pm-7:30 pm.
• Raiders of the Lost Hops keg tapping at Strangeways. It’s the bar’s last keg of the Sierra Nevada IPA.

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Friday

• Allagash Curieux at Meddlesome Moth. According the Moth’s Facebook page, this is the crown jewel—and probably the last keg of this stuff in Texas, though Michael thinks you can still find it in bottles. Anyway, it’s a beautiful bourbon barrel aged Tripel (strong pale ale). Michael hasn’t tried it, and neither have I. We’ve got a winner.
• Full Sail Brewery at Flying Sauce on the Lake. Full Sail’s a Portland brewery that totally preys on my “cute label” problem, meaning I often buy stuff because the bottle looks cool. They’re also giving away koozies, so there’s that.
• Sierra Nevada Glass Night at Holy Grail Pub.
• Stout Night at Nana’s Media Bar + Grill. Featured: Left Hand Brewing Co. Milk Stout (Irish “Car Bomb” Whiskey Gelee, Bailey’s Ice Cream), Left Hand Brewing Co. Milk Stout Boulevard (Guanaja Chocolate Ganache, Stout Air, Burnt Sugar Toffee, Valrhona Chocolate Pearls), and Deschutes Obsidian Stout (Sour Cherry Tart, Obsidian Stout Ice Cream). 5pm-10 pm.
• Super-secret double IPA tasting at Strangeways. Owner Eric Sanchez tells me that this is the only keg of mystery brew to grace the state of Texas. To find out what it is, you’ve got to go drink. You don’t need GPS to know where I’ll be Friday night.

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Saturday

• Dogfish Head Black & Blue at Meddlesome Moth. The black means blackberries and the blue means blueberries, so you should taste the tart. People seem conflicted on this particular brew, but I think this might be easy. If you like fruit beers, you will probably enjoy this one. If you don’t, you will probably want to drink something else.
• Leftover Madness at Flying Saucer on the Lake. My Beers With Friends friends and I are huge fans of Union Bear’s $3 “fire sale” beers, so this similar concept gets a thumbs up. Go nuts drinking everything left over from the week’s festivities at discounted prices.

I know Teresa Gubbins has written about this sangria already, but I can’t help sharing anyway.

Fort Worth native Britt West, Co-Founder of Eppa Wine Company, dropped by the office yesterday to give us a little tasting of his product. What he poured into our wine glasses was a surprisingly refreshing sangria blended from pomegranate, blood orange, blueberry and acai juices that goes well with ice.

Usually, I’m not a huge fan of press releases that endorse a drink “that has it all” since I can’t imagine anything that has it all, but Eppa sangria comes pretty darn close. It has an alcohol content of 8.5%, and the liquid feels light when you roll it around on your tongue. Blended in Mendocino County where the company buys its grapes, this sangria makes a terrific housewarming gift. It’s something you’d bring to a party to pair with hor d’oeuvres and cheese, and the best part is that it costs less than $12 per bottle.

Eppa sangria officially launched in September 2011, but it will soon be offered in over 80% of Whole Foods stores around the country. “It’s only been in Texas since mid-March. They’ve sold out completely out of the state twice, and I’ve had to re-order. It’s been great, though. Whole Foods is kind of a natural fit for everything we’re doing,” says West.

Expect Eppa to become a household name soon. “On our Facebook page, we get people writing in saying they had a massive cheer at a party, and everyone yelled ‘Eppa!’” West proudly told us.

As for me, I am now hoarding a complimentary bottle of Eppa in my desk right now, waiting impatiently for a special occasion to break the top open. Anyone with a taste for sangria is welcome to swing on by.

photography by Sergio Garza

First, a few St. Patrick’s Day fun facts:

St. Patrick wasn’t Irish.
Almost 37 million Americans claim Irish ancestry. (The rest just pretend on March 17.)
Nearly 13 million pints of Guinness are consumed on St. Patrick’s Day.
There are four towns in the United States named “Shamrock.” Texas has one of them.
My sister used to eat all the marshmallows out of the Lucky Charms box growing up.
Leprechauns exist.

Now, without further ado, we present a guide to boozing on the mean green holiday, organized by our favorite ‘hoods. We know we’ve left off some great bars that will be hosting great times (great time = green Irish beer, Celtic jams, and corned beef and cabbage), but this is just a little taste from a few different DFW territories.

The parade crowd surges down Greenville Avenue. (photo by Jerry McClure)

ADDISON
The Flying Saucer
There are plenty of places to grab a pint and a pinch, but this beer-lovers paradise is an obvious choice. They’re serving $3 Irish pints all day (including Guinness, Smithwick’s, Harp, Murphy’s Red, Murphy’s Stout, and Harpoon Celtic) and hosting DJ JD, who’s on deck at 9:30 pm.

Sherlock’s Baker St. Pub
This bar is huge and a guaranteed good time. The big tent outside will be set up and ready for lots of party people, live music, green beer, and a DJ later in the evening.

ARLINGTON
J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill
This Irish watering hole is serving Irish nachos, green beer, and entertainment, including music inside and outside in the tent area, bagpipe players, Irish dancers, and live music by Hill City Band, Morning People, Sting Rays, and Clearfork. Party starts at 11 am.

FORT WORTH
Paddy Red’s Irish Pub
If a free price tag, green beer, complimentary party favors, Irish drink specials, corned beef and cabbage, and shepherd’s pie don’t excite you, how about the promised appearance of a leprechaun? Yeah. That’s what we thought.

HENDERSON AVENUE
The Old Monk
Opening early, this neighborhood favorite is offering live music from Homespun Remedies, Irish dancers, bagpipe performances, brunch from 10 am to 2 pm, and favorite Irish dishes like fish and chips, Shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage, and corned beef Reubens.

Beer bonging, crazy dancing (dancing?), scantily clad women, and public shot-taking are all common sights during the St. Patrick's Day festivities on Greenville Avenue.

UPPER GREENVILLE
The Greenville Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade goes right through this area, so expect a crowd. Any watering hole that offers you a chance to squeeze through the masses and get to the bar is a good place to rest.

LOWER GREENVILLE
The Block Party is what you’ll find has taken over this area post-parade. A measly $8 gets you in the gate . I won’t lie to you: Last year’s block party was entirely too crowded to be enjoyable, but if you’re looking to be in the heart of the mayhem—I mean action—this is your best bet. You can move in and out of bars, grab a cold brew and hamburger from street vendors, and hear live music.

Sundown at Granada
We’re been waiting for these guys to open up their roof-top patio and it’s finally happening. Three Reggae bands will be playing upstairs (including The Effinays, Melody Memory, and Basic5) and a $5 menu will be serving tacos (beef or black bean) and BBQ brisket sandwiches.

LOWEST GREENVILLE
Crown & Harp
Just like the real St. Patrick, this bar is half British, half Irish. Starting at noon and ending in the wee hours of the morning, you can expect three Irish bands (including Blarney Street Hooligans, Pratty, and Irish Blind), Irish dancers, DJs spinning Irish, Ska, Reggae, and Soul, and Irish edibles like green beer, Irish stew, fish and chips, and drink specials all day and night.

UPTOWN
Blackfriar Pub
As they’re sibling bars and close neighbors (across the street), we can’t highlight one without the other. The two-day parking lot party here also starts on Friday. On Saturday, enjoy a bagpiper, live music by Petty Theft, and Irish food favorites fish and chips, Irish Reubens, and corned beef and cabbage served from 11 am to 10 pm.

The Idle Rich Pub
As part of the two-day tent party, which begins on Friday, you’ll find live music by The Killdares, Irish dancing, bagpiping, and Irish food, including corned beef and cabbage plate, fish and chips, Shepherd’s pie, and corned beef reubens served from 11 am to 10 pm. Festivities start at 10 am.

photography by Sergio Garza

OAK LAWN
The Library Bar
If green colored chaos isn’t your cup of whiskey, try this hotel bar for special Irish dishes (Reuben sandwich sliders with corned beef and Shepherd’s Pie), a fancy Emerald Isle Martini, and Irish beer specials (Guinness, Harp, and Killian’s Irish Red for $5). Available all month long.

DEEP ELLUM
Anvil Pub
It may not be an Irish pub, but it’ll sure look like one with the green decorations, Irish stew being served, and Jameson Irish Whiskey and Irish Car Bomb specials.

DOWNTOWN
The Chesterfield
This new hot spot’s keeping it classy with a limited edition house cocktail: the Irish Necktie. (A concoction of Jameson Irish Whiskey, ginger beer, and angostura bitters served in an old-fashioned glass.) Special menu items will include corned beef and magners cabbage and and Irish breakfast with black pudding, eggs, bacon, and soda bread, served until 11 pm.

FAR NORTH DALLAS
Mad Tavern
The new Alice in Wonderland-themed Irish pub way, way up in Far North Dallas will be open at 7 am (like they are every day) and serving Irish-themed drink and food specials. With nice weather (fingers crossed), the bar on patio will be the place to be with a band playing at 5 pm and 10 pm.

Loren Means files the following report on 1888, a dirty martini mix made in Dallas.

As a long-time lover of dirty martinis, Dallasite Kenneth Hamburger II found too many of them were unpredictable. While some hit the mark, others tasted more like ocean water. Sometimes they would vary drastically in the same evening even though they were ordered from and mixed by the same bartender. After Hamburger was laid off by Lamborghini in 2008, he decided to come up with a cure for the inconsistent dirty martini. His inspiration? Hah, it sounds so easy. Now.

Jump for it.

In the spring of 2009, after being inspired by a friend and an episode of Unwrapped with Marc Summers, Hamburger thought, “If you can squeeze a grape and squeeze an orange, why not an olive?”  He went into overdrive researching products that were currently available, and found that bottled brine and other mixers consisting only of water, salt, and lactic acid dominated the market. Bottled olive juice did not exist.

In the following months he became an expert on olives. With the help of a local company, he used a fruit press to create his first batch of fresh whole-pressed olive juice using Spanish olives. He immediately bottled the juice and distributed it to neighbors and friends for feedback. After many rave reviews, the product found its way into the hands of the bar manager at The Stoneleigh Hotel, 1888’s first client. (1888 is the year the word “martini” was first published in the American bartender’s manual.)

Hamburger cashed in all of his savings and sold all his stocks to bring his concept to reality. Today, as 1888 celebrates its second birthday, the still one-of-a-kind product (locally produced and bottled) is widely available at restaurants such as Nick and Sam’s, The Mansion on Turtle Creek, and Private Social. You can also pick up a bottle at Central Market, Specs, Centennial, Pogo, etc. If you prefer to shop online, you can order 1888 through local company, Artizone, or on Amazon.

When asked if he prefers his martinis shaken or stirred, Hamburger replies, “Always shaken.”

New Orleans : Mardi Gras ::
Germany : Fasching Fest ::

If you didn’t understand that, retake the SATs and jump below.

Since Germany’s Fasching Fest is supposed to be as wild and crazy as Mardi Gras in New Orleans, let’s hope there aren’t going to be naked ladies at the GermanDeli European Food Store’s Fasching Fest on Sunday because they’re planning to have face-painting and prizes for kids.

Entrance is free for anyone who enjoys grilled bratwurst, Fleischkäse, and authentic Nürnberger Bratwurst for low prices. Adults can attend a beer and wine sampling event from 1-3 pm, while the offspring can listen to music and run around a big tent.

The deets:
GermanDeli European Food Store
5100 State Hwy 121, Colleyville, TX 76034 817-354-8101
We will host Fasching Fest in the store and under the “big Tent”
Sunday, February 19th
12:30pm – 4:30pm

Here's Art Grindle, I mean Kinky Friedman. He wants to sell you some tequila!

“This is not New Age Mexican Mouthwash like some of the stuff that has reached the market over the past 20 years or so,” Kinky said. “It is not smoothed out by multiple filtering and tailored to what some marketing guys think Americans want.  It’s the real deal and naturally smooth because we start with mature agave.”

Did he just say “mature?” If you’d like to taste Kinky’s tequila and hear him sing, head over to Allgood Café on Sunday, February 12. All I know is that it is an “evening performance.” Deets to follow. Check out Kinky’s liquor here.

Three bottles of Pinot Evil (@$9.99 each) in a box for under $20. Pairs perfectly with kale and barbecue. Not necessarily on the same menu.

In April 2011, Centennial Fine Wine and Spirits acquired 32 retail locations of Majestic Liquor Stores, Inc. This includes the  “Fat Dog Beverages” in East Texas and “Doc’s Liquors” in West Texas. Today comes word from Tony Miller Director of Marketing at Centennial:

“I wanted to let our most loyal customers know first that we have closed several of our store locations in the Metroplex.This was a difficult decision, but it will allow us to strategically grow and ultimately serve you better.  We hope you will find another location near you and continue shopping with us!”

Dear Tony, you can close the store at Highland Park Village but if you touch Fat Dog Beverages (home of Pinot Evil box wine) in East Texas, I will cut you.

Stores closed below:

Centennial

6006 Camp Bowie Blvd.

Fort Worth, TX 76116

Centennial

4651 Bryant Irvin Rd.

Fort Worth, TX 76132

Centennial

1 Highland Park Village

Dallas, TX 75205

Centennial

10222 North Stemmons Freeway

Dallas, TX 75220

Majestic

2401 Parker Rd.

Hebron, TX 75010

Apple Jacks

5625 East I-20

Fort Worth, TX 76119

Big Daddy’s

7620 Blue Mound Rd., Ste 144

Fort Worth, TX 76131

Julian Pagan of the Cedars Social. The hair stylist room. Photography by Jason Acton.

I dropped in to get a quick look at Hid In 2612, Michael Martensen’s newest pop-up bar in Deep Ellum. It’s gorgeous and fun and full of groovy people. The space is divided into four or five differently decorated spaces and some of Dallas’ finest bartenders are taking shifts at the bar. Food is available from Cane Rosso next door. I didn’t have time for a drink but I plan to get back before their last night which is Saturday Friday, February 10. They open at 8PM.

Go. Drink. Report.

Jump for photos.

The indoor outdoor room. The frame room. Photography by Jason Acton.

A wall; the ceiling. Photography by Jason Acton.

A drink; another wall. Photography by Jason Acton.

Look for the sign in the window. Photography by Jason Acton.

Super Bowl XLV Watch Party at The Nodding Donkey (photography by Sergio Garza)

Does it really matter if you’re rooting for New England or New York? A Super Bowl watch party is just about having more fun than you’re supposed to on a Sunday. (And winning any bets you may have placed.) Here are 10 hot spots that guarantee a good time whether or not the Giants wipe the field with the Patriots.

Super Bowl XLV Watch Party at Frankie's (photography by Jerry McClure)

Where: Nodding Donkey
Why It Makes the List: We like watching games here for the whole package (hootin’ and hollerin’ with fellow fans, beer and bar food, and people watching).
Enjoy: A spot no one can steal, drinks, trips to the lunch buffet, chips and salsa at every table, a free Nodding Donkey tee, games (like thumb wrestling and flick football), dinner, and possibly prizes with your $100 (plus tax) ticket ($10 of which goes to Make-a-Wish Foundation).

Where: Frankie’s
Why It Makes the List: Festive foods, lots of TVs, and people watching in Uptown sounds like the perfect Super Bowl Sunday.
Enjoy: Themed foods and drinks (like New Englad clam chowder and Boston Tea Party cocktails and New York hot dogs with Manhattans), hometown beers (UFO Hefe and Brooklyn Lager), and a trivia contest for cash prizes from 2 pm to 4 pm.

Where: Granada Theater
Why It Makes the List: The bigger the screen, the better, right?
Enjoy: Three huge HD screens to watch the big game along with drink specials, including $3 domestics, fajita plates for sale, and an appropriately festive atmosphere. You can “walk up and walk in” or call 214-824-9933 or e-mail management@granadatheater.com to reserve a table for a group. No cost!

Super Bowl XLV Watch Party at The Nodding Donkey (photography by Sergio Garza)

Where: Texas Station Sports Bar & Grill at the Gaylord Texan
Why It Makes the List: As usual, we can’t resist the 52-foot HD screen and front-row lazy boys. Oh yeah, and um, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and Rhythm & Blue Dancers will make appearances. That doesn’t hurt, either.
Enjoy: A $99-per-ticket package of delights includes a front row view, one bucket of beer (or one 100-oz. Beer Tower), VIP platter with brisket, ribs, chicken, and sweet potato fries, complimentary Bud Light Platinum sample, and admission ticket to Gaylord’s nightlife spot, Glass Cactus. If you’re not mad at the Cowboys, you  might be interested in taking a free tour of the team’s mobile hall of fame. For reservations, call 817-778-1000.

Where: Primebar
Why It Makes the List: We’re not personally Primebar fans, but any bar rolling out a tent in their parking lot gets our vote of top places to be for big games.
Enjoy: A huge HD projector screen, live entertainment pre- and post-game, and drink specials.

Where: Highland Park Village Theater
Why It Makes the List: It just makes sense to watch a VIP game on a VIP shopping center’s newly renovated theater screen.
Enjoy: Traditional game day fare and a movie theater-size football game. Tickets cost just $35 for adults and $25 for kids.

Where: The Texas Theatre
Why It Makes the List: Can’t you see we heart big screens?
Enjoy: Drink specials all night long. Oh yeah, and no  trash to pick up or dishes to do after either the Giants or the Patriot take home the prize. Entrance is free.

Where: Urban Taco
Why It Makes the List: Ten words for you. Roasted corn con crema lime and mango-sangria Urban Swirl.
Enjoy: Buckets of beer for $20, $5 sangrias, $5 mojitos, $5 margaritas, and $3 XX lager.

Super Bowl XLV Watch Party at Frankie's (photography by Jerry McClure)

Where: The Social House
Why It Makes the List: A bar that can accommodate our barely-interested-in-the-game selves and our diehard Giants fan friends is a perfect spot for us all.
Enjoy: Half-priced appetizers, $7 burgers, $5 Crown and down, $3 domestics, and $9 specialty cocktails: Maker’s Mark First Down with whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Razzmatazz, and Blueberry Blitz with blueberries, Smirnoff blueberry vodka, Effen cucumber vodka, and simple syrup.

Where: Draft Picks
Why It Makes the List: We like being entertained when our team is winning so much it’s boring/losing so bad we can’t watch, so promises of a bean bag toss, quarterback challenge, and paper football tournament reeled us in.
Enjoy: A live DJ, the release of Bud Light Platinum, and wing specials.

Where: The Owner’s Box
Why It Makes the List: The Omni is so cool that not only are they skipping drink specials at their sports bar, The Owner’s Bar, they’re charging you $25 just to enter. It makes our list because we’ve been dying to test out the stainless-steel strip at the bar that keeps your brewski cold.
Enjoy: A bazillion HD screens, including a 16-footer, and cozy seating that you don’t have to share with drunk 20-somethings all in up your space. Make reservations by calling 214-652-4805.

Bars and restaurants, feel free to leave your game day plans in the comments section.

Pull up a chair at Sundown's cozy bar. (photography by Jason Acton)

Sundown Tea (photography by Jason Acton)

The Concept: Sundown at Granada is the Granada Theater’s neighboring restaurant and bar with a long list of draft beers and hand-crafted cocktails. Although I’m sure you can grab a bite pre-show, I would be filled with panic watching a line get longer next door while shoveling down the last forkfulls of food and chugging the rest of a beer. This is a perfect spot, however, to discuss your favorite act post-performance and perhaps mingle with band members, who are sure to wander over for a bite.

Who’s There: Thirty-somethings interested in enjoying some quality time together. (Rather than 20-somethings hollering over their third round of Jager bombs.)

When You Enter, Make a Beeline For: A cozy spot. Long gone are the dramatic reds and blacks that made up M Street Bar. Now you’ll find warm, dark woods and earthy accessories that inspire visions of a lakefront cabin or old library (or both, mixed together). Head to the lounge area, which features vintage-looking chairs and rugs. All that’s missing is a fireplace. I would like to recommend the patio with its long tables befitting groups, but the stinky smoke from the chiminea left us smelling like we’d returned from a camping trip.

photography by Jason Acton

What We Drank: A few cocktails, a few beers. (Food starts this Friday.) We did what I think one should do at fancy cocktail joints: ask the waiter to have the bartender to make his favorite drink. Our server didn’t look thrilled when we asked for “something spicy, whatever the bartender likes.” Either way, he brought us a Sundown Tea, a housemade tea concoction spiced with jalapeno, and a Cucumber Cilantro ‘Tini. Both were tasty, if a little on the sweet side. The beer menu boasts 60 options. Our beer snob buddy is calling it a list of “good” options, “not stellar.” Lagunitas Little Sumpin’ Wild, Samuel Smith’s seasonal Winter Warmer, and the Left Hand Milk Stout got us excited, but we wouldn’t mind seeing a few one-of-a-kind rotating drafts. Although the kitchen wasn’t open yet, a few samples of soon-to-be-served Mexican Pizza was passed around. It was spicy and delicious.

A peaceful nook for cocktails and conversation. (photography by Jason Acton)

What They’re Wearing: Casual stuff. Jeans will do, but if you head over gussied up, don’t fret. You’ll still fit right in.

When the Crowd Arrives: We settled in on a Friday after work, and the bar had plenty of patrons but also plenty of elbow room.

Bottom Line: Sundown is in its beginning stages. Happy hours aren’t yet in place, and food isn’t being served until this Friday, January 13. All in all, though, we’ll call it a decent bar experience that left us feeling like we were hanging out in a friend’s living room. But we’re excited to go back for food and a post-show nightcap.

Check out our Party Pics gallery from Sundown.

Pop a cork with Stephanie and Jeff.

Meet Stephanie and Jeff Rennells, the new owners of Cork Wine Bar in West Village. They haven’t changed the name but they’ve reworked the concept. It’s no longer a “try before you buy” shop, they’ve added tables and customers can order a tasting selection or grab their own and sit down to enjoy it. They’re trying to lure in a “whole new 30s crowd” in to try wine. Grand reopening party on January 20 with free wine, music, and nibbles.

Autumn Leaves at Victor Tangos (photography by Matthew Shelley)

I spent the last week researching bars serving up holiday cocktails in Big D. Then photographer Matthew Shelley and I made our way around town to give them a look and a taste. Here’s our toast to our new favorite holiday-inspired cocktails. Cheers.

Black Swan Saloon's Pecan Pie Flip

VICTOR TANGOS
Order: Autumn Leaves
What is it?: A whiskey drink with orange and mint notes
Ingredients:
Rye Whiskey
Allspice Dram
Green Chartreuse
Simple Syrup
Angostura and Peychaud Bitters
Flamed orange disk
Mint sprig
Tastes like: Our favorite new drink. The caramelized orange and crushed mint that top the drink create an olfactory experience as delightful as drinking the spiced whiskey mix.

BLACK SWAN SALOON
Order: Pecan Pie Flip
What is it?: Pecan-infused bourbon martini
Ingredients:
Pecan, vanilla bean, and chamomile-infused bourbon
Drizzle of maple syrup
Heavy whipping cream
Whole egg
Tastes like: What pecan pie should be: creamy, sweet, nutty, and buzz-producing. It also happens to be the cocktail that inspired the creation of this list.

Mulled Wine and Homemade Eggnog available at BlackFriar Pub, Idle Rich Pub, and The Old Monk in Dallas (photography by Matthew Shelley)

BLACKFRIAR PUB, IDLE RICH PUB, and THE OLD MONK
Order: Mulled Wine
What is it?: Spiced wine, served warm
Ingredients:
Red wine
Cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, orange flavors
Carmelized sugar
Tastes like: You should be in front of a fireplace on a bearskin rug. It soothed away all our cares. (Including work, sorry boss.)

BLACKFRIAR PUB, IDLE RICH PUB, and THE OLD MONK
Order: Eggnog, available starting December 10
What is it?: Eggnog made from scratch
Ingredients:
Secret eggnog recipe
House-spiced rum made at sister bar Renfield’s Corner
Tastes like: Heaven. The consistency is spot-on: not too thin, not too thick. The rum complements the eggnog without destroying the creamy flavor.

The Boston Warmer and Dutch Leaf cocktails at The People's Last Stand (photography by Matthew Shelley)

THE PEOPLE’S LAST STAND
Order: Boston Warmer
What is it?: Warm, rum-spiked drink
Ingredients:
Courvoisier
Rum
Hibiscus tea syrup
Lemon juice
Hot water
Tastes like: Tea for grown-ups with discerning palettes.

Order: Dutch Leaf
What is it?: Spiced gin martini
Ingredients:
Gin
Ginger liquor
Allspice Dram
Simple syrup
Coffee beans
Nutmeg
Tastes like: Christmas in a martini glass.

Things That Make You Go Hum and the Holiday Dark and Stormy at Private Social (photography by Matthew Shelley)

PRIVATE SOCIAL
Order: Things That Make You Go Hum
What is it?: A botanical-flavored concoction with absinthe
Ingredients:
Hum Liqueur
Strega Liqueur
Absinthe
Demerara simply syrup
Lemon juice
Tastes like: We’ll try to explain the flavor—sweet, floral, spicy, citrusy, exotic—but you’re better off just trying it yourself. Bartender Rocco Milano describes it best as a “culinary experience in a glass.”

Order: Holiday Dark and Stormy
What is it?: A festive twist on the classic rum and ginger beer drink
Ingredients:
Rum
House-made ginger beer
Vanilla simple syrup
All Spice Dram
Tastes like: The original, but better, richer, warmer, and with a manly kick.

Rum Diary and Rum Cocoa at Pyramid Bar (photography by Matthew Shelley)

PYRAMID BAR
Order: Rum Diary
What is it?: Twist on the Hot Toddy
Ingredients:
Dark rum
Spicy orange bitters
Sugar
Steamed pineapple juice
Star anise pod
Tastes like: Fall. The orange bitters, pineapple, and aromatic experience of the star anise, all warmed, are cozy.

Order: Rompope Hot Cocoa
What is it?: A fusion of eggnog and hot chocolate, spiked
Ingredients:
Santa Clara Rompope Mexican eggnog
10 Cane Rum
Hot cocoa
Tastes like: Eggnog and hot chocolate. But better because it’ll get you buzzed.

Peppermint Crush from J. Black's and Candy Cane Martini at Primebar in Dallas (photography by Matthew Shelley)

J. BLACK’S
Order: Peppermint Crush
What is it?: Grown-up hot chocolate
Ingredients:
Hot cocoa
Godiva Dark Chocolate Liqueur
Rumple Minze
Whipped cream
Crushed peppermint
Tastes like: A drink made in adult Candy Land. It’s the perfect balance of alcohol and dessert flavor.

PRIMEBAR
Order up the: Candy Cane Martini
What is it?: Peppermint martini
Ingredients:
Vanilla vodka
Godiva white chocolate liqueur
Rumple Minze
Candy cane
Tastes like: Minty milk

Smoke Forbids from Cedars Social and the Cajun Christmas Shot at Hotel ZaZa's Dragonfly (photography by Matthew Shelley)

CEDARS SOCIAL
Order: Smoke Forbids
What is it?: Tequila concoction atop a house-smoked ice cube
Ingredients:
Blanco tequila
Vermouth
Agave nectar
Spicy bitters
Applewood-cured ice cubes
Lemon zest
Tastes like: A tequila drink to start but melts into a smoky medley.

DRAGONFLY AT HOTEL ZAZA
Order: Cajun Christmas Shot
What is it?: Sweet-but-peppery shooter
Ingredients:
Southern Comfort Firey Pepper
Cherry Heering liqueur
Lime juice
House-made almond simple syrup
Tastes like: Cherry limeade with a peppery kick.

Mochatini from Eddie V's and It's a Wonderful Life from Charlie Palmer at the Joule (photography by Matthew Shelley)

EDDIE V’S
Order: Mochatini
What is it?: Chocolate coffee-flavored martini
Ingredients:
Stoli vanilla
Godiva chocolate liqueur
Espresso
Tastes like: Alcoholic Starbucks without the cavity-inducing sugar rush.

CHARLIE PALMER AT THE JOULE
Order: Forbidden Fruit
What is it?: A pomegranate and acaí “wellness” martini
Ingredients:
Veev Acaí
Pomegranate juice
Aperitivo Americano
Cranberry juice
Simple Syrup
Tastes like: Juice. We could chug this fruity confection all day long. (But that would be dangerous.)

Update: Pyramid Bar’s chocolate drink is called Rompope Hot Cocoa, not Rum Cocoa.

photography by Sergio Garza

It seems every bar in town has tricks and treats up its sleeves for Halloween, so we’re providing you with a list of everything we know. First take a look at our top picks and then scroll through the full list. Check back often for updates.

Oak Lawn Halloween Block Party 2011
Saturday, October 29, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Fans of this annual block party wait all year to hit the 3900 block of Cedar Springs to eat, drink, be merry, and check out all the outrageous costumes you can handle. The Mining Company, JR’s, Sue Ellen’s, and S4 are all participants, so you can pop in any of the bars and head back outside in time to catch the costume parade and live music.
Cost: Free

The Palladium Ballroom
Saturday, October 29, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Ghostland Observatory seems to be making its Dallas Halloween concert an annual gig. Droves of costumed people show up for this light show and dance party, and we’re big fans. (Of both the weird music self-described as sounding like a “robot making love to a tree” and weird dressed-up fans.)
Cost: $31.75 on Ticketmaster

PM at the Joule
Saturday, October 29, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
We could take or leave the high society bit (Heidi Dillon stars as the evening’s celebrity DJ), but we love this Belvedere-sponsored party’s theme: 1970s Playboy Club. Cocktail waitresses will be dressed as bunnies, and bartenders will be pouring in smoking jackets. Find game tables for winning prizes in the center of the room for entertainment. Reserve your spot by emailing reservations@pmnightlifelounge.com.
Cost: Free.

Zouk
Saturday, October 29, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“Maxim’s Masquerade Ball” is one of 15 Maxim-sponsored events around the country. As you can imagine, the ladies will likely be scantily clad as “sexy” everything (cheerleaders, cats, and carpenters), plus check out Maxim models, tunes by various DJs, and earn cash for costumes. (Money—$10,000 to be exact—for the sexiest, group, and most creative costumes is up for grabs.)
Cost: $20-$40

Black Swan Saloon
Sunday, October 30, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
This “Rock Idols” party requests you come dressed as your favorite rocker. (Always wanted to play dress up as Motley Crue, didn’t you?) Best getup wins some cash. Don’t feel like sporting big hair and tattoos? Don’t worry. All costumes are welcome. Either way, we’re going for the wonderful mixed drinks owner Gabe Sanchez whips up behind the bar. Rock on.
Cost: Free

Eddie Deen’s Ranch
Saturday, October 29, 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
“The Wake” party is happening at Eddie Deen’s Ranch in downtown Dallas this year. Find all the entertainment you need: live bands, 10 DJs, burlesque, cirque, and sideshow performers, fortune tellers, a mechanical bull, three themed rooms, and a $1,000 costume contest.
Cost: $25

photography by Sergio Garza

The Pads at the Aloft Hotel Basement Downtown Dallas
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“A Dallas Candyland Halloween” features Glenn Pakulak from Most Eligible Dallas, tunes by DJ Flip Millionz and DJ Jecho, costume contest for cash and prizes
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door

Candleroom
9 p.m.
Cointreau Halloween drinks
Cost: Free

Holy Grail Pub
6 p.m.
“Angels and Demons” highlights “devilish” beers: Maudite, Dubel, and Rogue Dead Guy Ale. Snack on deviled eggs, too.
Cost: Free

La Grange
8:30 p.m.
This 80s-themed Friday features a lineup of cover bands: Geezer (Weezer), The Ramonahs (Ramones) and Regatta Da Faux (covering Police songs)
Cost: Free

Manhattan Lounge
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
This party, hosted by The Bachelor Pad’s Erica Rose, features Halloween shots specials and $1 drinks for ladies until midnight.
Cost: Free

Plush
10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“Go Gos and Goblins” awards prizes to the best go-go costumes and best overall Halloween costume. There will be first-, second-, and third-place winners. Ladies, drink free champagne until midnight.
Cost: Free

photography by Sergio Garza

The Social House
10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“The Social House of Horrors Halloween Party” features tunes by DJ Onyx and a costume contest.
Cost: Free

Sunset Lounge
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Enjoy Tekneek tunes, Espolon tequila drink specials, models, and a costume contest.
Cost: Free

Zouk
10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
This “Monsters Ball” features
a costume contest (prizes for best, worst, sexiest, most creative, and best couple), a ticket giveaway to the following evening’s Maxim Halloween party at Zouk, and free admission to those in costume until 11 p.m.
Cost: Free

Blackfriar Pub
9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Hear tunes from a live DJ, earn cash if you’re in the “best costume,” and see scary movies playing all night.
Cost: Free

Cameo
10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
A costume contest will award a $1,000 gift package. Hear sounds by DJ D-Roz.
Cost: Free

Club Dada
8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“The Greatest Halloween Show on Earth” features music, live art, “circus freaks,” prizes for scariest, funniest, and best overall costumes, and performances by The Hanna Barbarians, Dovetail, A.Dd+, Goodnight Ned. Drink free beer from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $10

Double Wide
9 p.m.
The best costumes of the night will earn bar tabs. Listen to the bands: Nightmare On E Street Band (Bruce Springsteen cover), Oliver’s Army (Elvis Costello cover), Muzak (Muse cover), and DJ Bad Holly.
Cost: Free

Elm Street Bar
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Costume contest for cash and prizes, DJ Tony Ologny, $2 wells until 11 pm. $3 draft pints and $3 margaritas all night. $15 fishbowls
Cost: $5 for guys

Escapade at eM for The Family Place
7:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Get prizes for costumes judged by Todd Fiscus, music from Time Machine, and Halloween-themed food and drinks.
Cost: Tickets cost $325 and up.

The Fillmore Pub
9:30 p.m.
Check out local band The Room Sounds, $2 PBRs, shot specials, and costume contest with cash prizes.
Cost: Free

Ginger Man
8 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Earn cash for best costumes and listen to Drop Top Rockets playing live.
Cost: Free

Glass Cactus
5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
$1,000 costume contest, China Town, sponsored by 106.1
Cost: Free before 8 p.m.; $10 after 8 p.m.

Granada Theater
7 p.m.
A costume contest and drink specials accompany music from Manzarek Rogers band (members of The Doors), Whiskey Folk Ramblers, and RTB2.
Cost: Free

The Grapevine Bar
7 p.m.
Drink up. Happy hour prices run all night, along with a costume contest.
Cost: Free

Idle Rich
9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Find tunes by a live DJ and cash for the best costumes.
Cost: Free

Knox Street Pub
10 p.m.
The annual “Black Cat Ball” features drink specials with Espolon tequila, $3 wells, $3 jello shots, and tunes by  DJ Humble.
Cost: Free

photography by Sergio Garza

La Grange
10 p.m.
The 80s weekend continues with “80s Bandsquerade” night. Musical acts include Jackleg as old U2, Bigelow Station as Kenny Loggins, Andrew Delaney as Depeche Mode, and Young & Brave as Bruce Springsteen.
Cost: Free

Lee Harvey’s
8 p.m.
A costume contest will earn prizes for the best dressed. Listen to live music. The Voodoo Organist starts at 8 p.m. and Graceland Ninjaz begin at 10 p.m.
Cost: Free

Lizard Lounge
9 p.m. to 4 a.m.
$1,000 costume contest for male and female
Cost: $15

Manhattan Lounge
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Enjoy a costume contest and Halloween shot specials.
Cost: Free

The Nodding Donkey
6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Enjoy The Edge camped out on site from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., a DJ at 10 pm, drink specials—$3 ‘Blood (Bud) Light’, Jagermeister from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Partida To-Kill-Ya margaritas—and a costume contest. (First prize is a trip to Vegas.)
Cost: Free

NYLO, Plano
7 p.m.
The sexiest costume contest ensures lots of eye candy.
Cost: $10 for guys; ladies get in free

The Old Monk
9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Enjoy a DJ, cash for costumes, and a pumpkin-carving contest that runs until Halloween. Proceeds benefit the North Texas Food Bank, and Old Monk matches each dollar.
Cost: Free

Plush
9 p.m. to 2 p.m.
This “Dragon’s Halloween Ball” features four levels of Halloween fun. Check out six DJs rotating the decks and people dressed to the nines in costume.
Cost: $25 for tickets

photography by Jason Acton

Poor David’s Pub
7:30 p.m.
Melissa Ferrick headlines this Halloween event with a costume contest and prizes for scariest, original, and weirdest getups.
Cost: $16

Renfield’s Corner
9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Cash for best costume
Cost: Free

Strangeways
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Barneys New York concierge Gary Jackson plays host to this fete with tunes by JT Donaldson and Ge-Ology and prizes for the best costume.
Cost: Free

Sunset Lounge
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
This is night no. 2 for Sunset’s Halloween weekend. Listen to Tekneck tunes, drink Espolon tequila, check out models, and participate in the costume contest.
Cost: Free

Sullivan’s Steakhouse
8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The “Fang-tastic Halloween Bash” is happening inside the restaurant’s Ringside bar. Order vampire-themed cocktails, the “Vampire’s Kiss” shooter, and Avion tequila from the bar, listen to Domino Effect playing live, and be judged in the costume contest for a shot at a $100 Sullivan’s gift certificate.
Cost: Free

Swig & Gin Mill
8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Enjoy this disco-themed Halloween party at both bars with $1 PBRs all night and cash for the most risqué costume and group costumes.
Cost: Free

TABC
7 pm
Cash is awarded to the best costumes, and drink specials ($4 Patron XO and $3 Brooklyn Pumpkin Ale) are available all night.
Cost: Free

Ten Sports Grill
8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Head to Ten’s All Hallow’s Eve bash to earn some cash for your costume, drink $5 Malibu Black shots, play Halloween games, and get your tarot cards read.
Cost: $5

Vernon’s Grill
7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Check out the DJ on deck, playing Halloween tunes, and drink up on domestic pitchers for $8, and a costume contest with prizes. Order appetizers are 11 pm and get them half-priced.
Cost: Free

Windmill Lounge
9 p.m.
Find a costume contest with prizes, “ghoulish grog” (which means Halloween themed drinks) and “spooky struttin’ (meaning dancing) to tunes by a live DJ.
Cost: Free

Double Wide
9 p.m.
This event, co-sponsored by Elm Street Tattoo and Sierra Bravo, presents to you cash and bar tabs for best costumes, $3 you-call-its before 10 p.m., and this music lineup: Riverboat Gamblers, White Mountain, Missile, and Good Luck Karaoke.
Cost: Free

Margarita Massacre, Fort Worth
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Two blocks of 7th Street are being roped off for this tented margarita taste test party. Hacienda San Miguel, Bailey’s Prime Plus, Tillman’s Roadhouse, Cantina Laredo, and Blue Mesa Grill are just a few of the 20 restaurants participating in this block party competition. Grab a wristband, sample the ‘ritas, and vote for your favorite. Winner gets bragging rights in Cowtown. A portion of the proceeds benefit local nonprofit Voice of the Elderly.
Cost: $20 for a wristband

photography by Jerry McClure

The Church
“Halloween on Halloween” features a costume contest with $1,000 in cash and prizes for winners and music by DJ Joe Virus playing electro industry and “electronic body music” and Bill Stanley with 80s tunes.
Cost: $5

Double Wide
9 p.m.
Enjoy this “singles night” record party at Double Wide with music from Mr Rid. Bring your best and worst vinyls to hear and share, and win prizes from Good Records for scariest, single, and creepiest costume. Sip on $2 wells and domestics all night.
Cost: Free

J. Black’s
“Sundown” (7 p.m.-ish)
Decorate your own drink with the “spooky martini bar,” win prizes for best costumes, and step into the photo booth to capture the memory.
Cost: Free

The Palladium Ballroom
9 pm
Bassnectar chose Dallas for the Halloween performance during his tour. Techno music + light show + costumes = a big party.
Cost: $27.50 on Ticketmaster

Terilli’s
7 p.m. to midnight
This 25th anniversary Halloween party  touts “Witches Brew and Barbecue” and a costume contest as its highlights.
Cost: Tickets $50

Cub Reporter: McVitie

Every year the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas (GALT) works with the the Deep Ellum Foundation to raise funds for GALT’s work saving greyhounds. Pups (any breed and many breed) and their owners walk between participating merchants collecting poker cards. At the end the highest hand wins a prize. Entrants also got an event t-shirt, drink/food specials and GALT goody bag. Pup crawl stops included Trees, Club Dada, St. Pete’s Dancing Marlin, The Bone, and Reno’s Chop Shop.

SideDish planned to send Andrew Chalk to this but he was laid up due to a nagging FarmVille injury. However, he was able to send his dog to cover it…

McVItie barks below.

“The human parked outside a place called “The Red Dog” and I wanted to go in to see the dog but he wouldn’t let me even though it smelled of pizza inside and I wanted to try a slice or two so then he yanked me over to the dog park Bark Park Central and I discovered I wasn’t the only dog in the world and the humans signed in and got a bag of goodies then we went to Urban Paws which was FULL of food and I had some then I had a drink and there were so many smells because of all the dogs inside and stop sniffing my butt Pomeranian so then I followed a trail but they wouldn’t let me into their doggie day care but we left and walked along some pretty dog scent covered roads to Trees but I couldn’t pee on the tree coz’ it wasn’t a real tree and the humans picked up these playing cards and a breakfast taco which they didn’t eat right away (weird) so I tried to get it out of the goodie bag but they weren’t very sporting about that then there were no squirrels so we went Club Dada where the humans picked up another playing card (weird) and then we went to Reno’s Chop House where they didn’t have any cards or chops and another dog tried to sniff my butt but I growled and then we went to The Bone where their weren’t any bones (weird) and the humans picked up another card (even weirder) and then we went to St. Pete’s Dancing Marlin where the GALT Executive Director wouldn’t sniff my butt then the humans put me back in the car and took a nap to recharge my battery for the next assignment.”